Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its two receptors in normal human endometrium

Objectives:We try to demonstrate the expression of vascular endothelial growthfactor (VEGF) and its receptors,flt-1 and KDR,in normal human emdometrium duringthe menstrual cycle.Methods:Immunohistochemical method was used to observe the expression ofVEGF and its two receptors in emdometrium throughout the normal menstrual cyclemeanwhile the isoforms of VEGF were also detected by Western blot analysis.The en-dothelial cells of micro-vessels were marked with VIII factor antibody.Results:VEGF and its receptors existed in endometrial glandular,stromal and vas-cular endothelial cells of human endometrium.Their expressions were higher in the mid-secretory phase of menstrual cycle and highest at menstruation.VEGFand VEGFwere the predominant isoforms in normal human endometrium.Conclusion:The expression of VEGF and its two receptors showed cycle-dependentin human endometrium,probably involved in embryonic implantation and endometrialproliferation and differentiation.